SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> A former official with the Office of the United States Trade Representative has joined Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership as a global markets advisor, and business retention and expansion specialist.

Mary Estelle Ryckman spent 30 years developing trade and investment policy, and negotiating international agreements in a variety of senior U.S. government positions.

The Prosperity Partnership is the county’s designated economic development agency.

During her career at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Ryckman held numerous positions, including senior policy advisor, assistant U.S. trade representative for trade and development, and deputy assistant U.S. trade representative for Canada. She has extensive negotiating experience in free trade agreements including NAFTA, Central America, Chile, and Peru; trade dispute resolution; and bilateral investment treaties. In addition, she helped implement President Obama’s effort to normalize relations with Cuba, developed strategic policy priorities for the National Export Initiative and the Global Development Strategy, and was a member of the White House Council on Women and Girls.

Ryckman is scheduled to address the The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 20 on topics related to foreign trade agreements and tariffs, including the impact of recent trade actions taken by the Trump administration; the reaction from U.S. trading partners; and the effects on local businesses engaged in or pursuing global trade, as well as the regional and state economies.

The event will be held at the Adirondack Trust Mabee Office Building Community Room, 650 Maple Ave. in Saratoga Springs.

Ryckman also will represent Saratoga County as part of the New York delegation at this month’s Select USA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C. This is the highest-profile event dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment in the U.S. Last year it drew more than 3,000 participants, including 1,200 business representatives and economic development organizations from 52 U.S states and territories.

“Mary’s expertise in international trade and investment will be invaluable to Saratoga County companies involved or interested in exporting products to grow their businesses,” said Marty Vanags, Prosperity Partnership president. “As U.S. policies affecting foreign trade undergo a rapid shift, her proven leadership and experience enable us to provide vital support to the local business community.”